Night by Elie Wiesel Chapter 1 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Describe Moshe, the Beadle.

Was a poor Jewish man in their town.

Why did Eliezer pray, and why did he cry when he prayed?

Prayed because he was faithful and he said he didn't know why he cried but he felt in his heart he should.

Upon his return, what story did Moshe tell?

They were taken by train, were forced to dig deep trenches and were shot into the holes they'd dug. But Moshe miraculously escaped.

Why didn't people believe him?

They were too naïve and stubborn. In denial. Signup and view all the answers

Cite examples of how the Jewish citizens of Sighet began to lose their rights.

The yellow star, can't go to pray, and curfews. Signup and view all the answers

What is a ghetto?

A place segregated off from the rest of Germany for the Jews. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the citizens resist the truth, even when it was in front of them?

Because they were in denial that they were really being persecuted for their beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the conditions in the train (at the end of the chapter).

Packed with people (around 80 people in the car). Very hot and smelly. People cannot bathe and must go to the restroom in the corner, which increases the unsanitary conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What literary point of view is used for this book?

1st Person Signup and view all the answers

Explain this comment: 'Poor Father. Of what then did you die?'

The father had said that the yellow star wasn't lethal. But Wiesel realizes that the fact that the star represents being Jewish, and being Jewish during that time was basically a death sentence. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author mean by the following: 'On the seventh day of Passover the curtain rose?'

Idk? haha sorry figure it out on your own. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the paragraph: 'the shadows beside me awoke as from a long sleep. They fled, silently, in all directions.'

Idk again. Idk everything. Signup and view all the answers

Explain, 'Our eyes were opened, but too late.' Where was the train at this point?

When they realized their fate it was too late. There was no escaping it; they could only accept it. The train was in Kas Chav. Signup and view all the answers

What was foreshadowed by Madame Schacter's nightmare?

Train was filled with fire, which foreshadowed the future cremation and death they would eventually face at Auschwitz. Signup and view all the answers

What did some of the passengers do to quiet Madame Schacter?

Women attempted to comfort her, her son begged for her to calm down. Eventually, they beat her to keep her quiet and tied her up to restrain her. Signup and view all the answers

Where did the train finally stop?

Auschwitz Signup and view all the answers

When questioned by the S.S. Officer, why did Elie lie about his age and occupation?

Said he was younger to give him more time so they would kill him later, and said he was a farmer instead of a student so they would think he was a hard worker instead of a bookworm. Signup and view all the answers

What was the first horrifying sight that Elie at first disbelieved?

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Study Notes

Moshe the Beadle

Described as a poor Jewish man, he served as a spiritual leader in Sighet.
His warnings about the Nazi threat were initially ignored by the townspeople.

Eliezer's Prayer

Eliezer prayed out of deep faith, feeling compelled to connect with God.
Although he didn't understand why he cried, it was a natural emotional response.

Moshe's Experience

Moshe escaped after being taken by train with other Jews, forced to dig trenches, and shot into them.
His escape was miraculous, but his warnings went unheeded.

Denial of the Citizens

The people of Sighet were naïve and in denial about the severity of the situation.
Their stubbornness prevented them from accepting the truth of their persecution.

Erosion of Jewish Rights

Jewish citizens began to lose their rights through measures like wearing yellow stars and curfews.
Public places of worship were becoming inaccessible.

Understanding Ghettos

Ghettos were designated areas where Jews were forcibly segregated from the rest of society.
These locations were often overcrowded and oppressive.

Resistance to Truth

Citizens resisted acknowledging their persecution due to denial and a reluctance to accept the harsh reality.
The concept of persecution was difficult for them to comprehend within their cultural context.

Conditions in the Train

The train car was severely overcrowded, with about 80 people in cramped quarters.
The environment was hot, smelly, and unsanitary, lacking basic hygiene facilities.

Literary Perspective

The book is narrated from a 1st-person point of view, offering a personal account of the events.

Significance of the Yellow Star

The yellow star symbolized the mark of being Jewish, which in their society equated to a death sentence.
Eliezer reflects on his father's dismissal of the symbol's danger.

Symbolism of Passover

The phrase "On the seventh day of Passover the curtain rose" signifies the imminent tragic events to unfold.
It marks a turning point from celebration to impending doom.

Shadows in the Narrative

The phrase about shadows awakening symbolizes the fear and realization that enveloped the Jewish community.

Realization of Fate

"Our eyes were opened, but too late" emphasizes the tragic point of no return as they recognized their fate.
At this moment, they realized the gravity of their situation while on the train in Kas Chav.

Foreshadowing of Death

Madame Schacter's nightmare of fire foreshadows the horrors of cremation and death they would face at Auschwitz.
Her recurring visions are a prescient warning of the dangers ahead.

Treatment of Madame Schacter

Passengers, desperate to silence Madame Schacter's cries, tried to comfort her but eventually resorted to violence.
They tied her up to prevent further panic and disturbance.

Train's Final Stop

The train ultimately arrived at Auschwitz, marking the beginning of their horrific experiences in the concentration camp.

Elie's Deception to S.S. Officer

Faced with the S.S. officer, Elie lied about his age to appear younger and delay his fate.
He claimed to be a farmer to protect himself, hoping to be seen as a hard worker.

Disbelief in Horrors Unfolding

Initial reactions to the sights at Auschwitz were of disbelief, reflecting a psychological coping mechanism amidst chaos.

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Description

Explore the key elements of Chapter 1 of 'Night' by Elie Wiesel with this quiz. Test your knowledge on Moshe the Beadle, Eliezer's prayers, and the critical events that set the tone for the memoir. Perfect for students and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the text.